Peanut butter is a pantry staple for many households.
Peanut butter is a common pantry staple and is a vital part of many iconic dishes, including the peanut butter and jelly sandwich and peanut butter and celery stick. Though it is high in fat and calories, there are many benefits that come with including peanut butter in your diet.
Health Benefits
Peanut butter contains several important nutrients, including vitamin E and niacin, and is high in protein. It is also a good source of antioxidants and can reduce risk for heart disease; CNN has reported that peanut butter can lower cholesterol. According to a study posted by the Journal of the American Medical Association, women who include peanut butter in their diets may have a lower risk of type 2.
As a Solution to Worldwide Malnutrition
Peanut butter also helps those in third-world countries. EurekAlert reports that Project Peanut Butter, a non-profit organization that provides peanut butter--rich diets to malnourished people overseas, helped over two thousand children in Malawi in 2007.
Shelf Life
Sealed containers of store-bought peanut butter can last up to nine months in your pantry. The long shelf life makes peanut butter an excellent choice for emergency preparedness supplies or as a bulk food staple purchase.
Homemade Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can also be made at home, so those who have an extra supply of roasted peanuts can turn it into peanut butter. Making peanut butter at home can be a fun family activity.
Versatile Ingredient
Though the classic application is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, many other recipes call for peanut butter as an ingredient, making it a versatile pantry staple. Peanut butter stars in desserts, such as peanut butter cookies, and works just as well in savory dishes, such as African groundnut stew.
Post-Workout Snack
The high protein content and caloric count in peanut butter makes it a good choice for a post-weightlifting snack. Fitness Magazine recommends eating a peanut butter and banana snack after your workout. The protein in peanut butter promotes muscle recovery, and the vitamins and nutrients nourish the body.
Tags: pantry staple, peanut butter, butter also, butter jelly, butter jelly sandwich